STUDENTS at Huddersfield Technical College had their achievements honoured at an awards ceremony.

A total of 237 students gathered at Huddersfield Town Hall to get certificates and prizes.

Guests at the event were entertained by a performance of Moulin Rouge by students from the performing arts department.

They also made a special tribute to their former tutor, Gerry Fenwick-White, who died in a motorbike crash in April.

Chris Sadler, principal of the college, said: "The only reason Huddersfield Technical College exists is for the success of our students.

"I pay tribute to all the staff who are making Huddersfield Technical College a more successful and rewarding place to be."

Among the students receiving awards were staff from South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.

The nursing assistants and healthcare support workers are based at St Luke's Hospital in Crosland Moor.

They received certificates for level one and two courses in numeracy and literacy - equivalent to GCSEs.

The staff have been studying for the courses during and outside of work.

The mental health trust has been offering its staff literacy and numeracy courses - run by tutors from Huddersfield Technical College - since April 2005.

Lerina Stack, NVQ assessor for the trust, said: "We realised some of our staff had problems with their literacy and numeracy.

"Some had struggled all their life with these problems.

"Coming on the courses has been a big morale booster for staff and some now want to go on and do further training."